The Resy Guide to Outdoor Dining in Miami

Tucked into a corner in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, this lively tapas restaurant will immediately transport you to a Spanish plaza buzzing with locals and visitors alike, all sipping afternoon aperitifs. Order a gin tonic, the signature drink of Spain, and a few sharable plates like pan con tomate, tabla de quesos, and a tortilla de patatas for the table, then sit back and relax on the blue-cushioned lounge seating. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations. Takeout is available, too.

Sunny and shady in equal measure, the patio at Le Jardinier feels polished and at home in the Design District. Outdoor dining is the star with its bright green-cushioned coaches and white rattan, giving a distinctly French Riviera vibe. The vegetable-forward menu of classic French cuisine adds to that feeling, with dishes like cold asparagus velouté with Parmesan mousse and pistachio, and spring pea and ricotta agnolotti with wild mushrooms, peas, and mint.

Dining Status: Outdoor and indoor dining available.

One of this neighborhood’s pioneers, The Citadel recently celebrated its two-year anniversary. The food hall is home to a variety of vendors from pizza and barbecue joints to pasta, poke, and ice cream stalls. Venturing up to its 5,000-square-foot rooftop, a tropical oasis awaits you with its lush landscaping, Miami views, and invigorating cocktails. Any order you placed downstairs will be delivered to your table.

Dining status: Reservations required for the rooftop. Takeout is available, too. 

Flowers, pastel colors, and breakfast all reign supreme here. The outdoor patio is blossoming with a rainbow of vibrant flowers complemented with powder blue fringed parasols and floral accent pillows. Choose from a selection of traditional breakfast items like avocado toast, eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and waffles — all served on dainty mismatched vintage china. Its high tea service has become popular too, with its perfect petit fours, French macarons and mini sandwiches. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations.

Lunch or dinner at Mandolin truly remains one of the most pleasant outdoor dining experiences in Miami. The restaurant is a converted 1940s bungalow with an expansive courtyard patio that’s filled with trees, flowers, and lush foliage. Order the grilled octopus, baked feta, and a whole Mediterranean sea bass roasted with oregano and spritzed with lemon and you’ll feel like you’re on a vacation on the Aegean coast.

Miami Beach’s perennially cool pasta shop has expanded its outdoor dining to a verdant garden in a shuttered hostel, located just a few doors down from the restaurant. It also is offering the opportunity to rent out the entire indoor dining room for you and up to 16 of your closest friends, centered around a special tasting menu designed by chef Michael Pirolo. Think local burrata, creamy polenta, and tagliolini ai funghi.

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations. Takeout and delivery are available, too.

For a laid-back evening, head over to this rooftop terrace. The eclectic décor and Miami skyline views pair nicely with its diverse menu. It has a fun Two + Two special that includes two cocktails (like Fly Me to Tulum, with Tequila, agave nectar, lime, jalapeño, and black salt) and two snacks (like fried-chicken bao). If you’re looking for a full meal, check out the raw bar, wood roasted vegetables, and mains like gnocchi and broccoli rabe in an aged white cheddar mornay and a lamb burger with feta, charred onion marmalade, and garlic aioli served with a side of fries. 

Dining status: Open air and covered outdoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-748-4540. Takeout is available, too.

EAST Miami’s lounge is a secret garden that’s floating 40 floors above the city. The verdant tree canopy, Asian-inspired details, and secluded nooks give this rooftop a mystic vibe. Miami skyscrapers and Biscayne Bay share the spotlight and are a backdrop to the tapas and seasonal cocktails.

For a true Miami experience start with the Big Boy Pastelito (Tequila, guava puree, Cointreau Noir, and citrus) or a Oh You Fancy, Huh? (Cognac, Champagne, elderflower liqueur, pomegranate, and citrus). Blending Miami and Asian flavors, small plates include truffled pistachio tuna tataki, and shrimp and crab croquetas, along with signature rolls, poke bowls, and satays. 

Dining status: Outdoor tables are open for reservations. Call 786-805-4655.

Located on the 16th floor of the Kimpton EPIC hotel, this is where to go for both a perfect Miami skyline photo for your Instagram feed, and locally sourced dishes that embrace the regions waterways and produce. Cocktails, inspired by the on-site herb garden, share the menu with international wines. Light up your palate with global fare like Spanish croquetas, Korean BBQ steak tacos, local squid, Florida clams, Moroccan chicken, and daily seafood catches.

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-424-5234. Takeout is available, too.

The newest rooftop restaurant to hit the Miami scene, this vibrant Mexican patio is serving up classic dishes like guacamole, ceviche, and quesadillas, and infusing them with surprising flavors and techniques. The Coyo Taco team, headed by executive chef Scott Linquist, will dazzle you with, for example, the grilled cactus and shrimp appetizer, beautifully plated scallop ceviche verde, and an uni and crab tostada.

Dining status: Open air and covered outdoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-600-4292.

If you’re searching for unmarred views of turquoise ocean, this hotel rooftop restaurant has them. Let the ocean breeze tousle your hair as you sip on a pisco spritz (pisco, Aperol, prosecco, and club soda) and peruse the Peruvian-inspired Japanese menu. A signature sushi roll, a chef’s selection of seasonal nigiri and sashimi, or lobster crudo are all excellent options to pair with a cocktail. And if you really want to feel like you’re on vacation, order the frosé (rosé, vodka, peach, Lillet rouge, and fresh citrus).

Dining status: Outdoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-604-6580.